Celebrating the benefits of employee ownership

By Brabners LLP

29 Jun 2022

shutterstock_648579007.jpg

Every year, on EO Day, thousands of EO businesses and supporters come together to celebrate the benefits of employee ownership.

This year’s event focuses on growth. The employee ownership sector has grown rapidly over the past decade – and the employee ownership model can also be a great way for organisations to pursue a growth strategy.

According to the latest figures from the Employee Ownership Association, there are more than 700 employee-owned businesses in the UK.

The employee ownership trust (EOT) model safeguards successful cultures within firms, rewards staff and provides a framework for long-term growth. This, among other reasons, is why we’re seeing continued interest from clients and owner-managed businesses who want to secure the future independence of their business.

We recently supported the family law firm, Evolve Law, in their transition to Employee Ownership. Growth was a key aspect of the directors’ decision, with founding director Robin Charrot saying,  “Over the past seven years, we’ve grown the firm sustainably while bringing new people into the fold to share in our success. Our priority has always been looking after our clients and co-workers rather than maximising profit, and that sentiment has been at the core of our decision to become an employee-owned business, which will provide a platform for everyone to contribute and benefit as Evolve grows in the future.

“We could have sold the firm to an outside party, but we decided that this would not provide the best outcome for our clients or our staff. We have no immediate plans to step away from the business, so we’re looking forward to helping Evolve prosper under employee ownership while we continue to support clients with transparent, trusted advice for years to come.”

In November 2021, we worked with the Handforth-based accountancy firm Sapphire as they moved to employee ownership. Managing director Mark Connor also emphasised the potential for growth that employee ownership brings: “Sapphire is already a great place to work, but since we informed our employees, there’s been a greater buzz around the office and a real sense that our staff are more invested than ever in the future of Sapphire. This will only serve as a catalyst to all of our clients as we truly believe that this will only add to the unrivalled service they already receive.

"Day to day, nothing will change with the direction/leadership of Sapphire, however becoming an employee-owned business will help us to achieve higher levels of productivity and innovation as well as being a differentiator to attract the best talent in the industry. There’s great entrepreneurial acumen and determination within the team already, so this is only going to get better as everyone’s effectively got a stake in our business which can only accelerate our already ambitious growth plans.”

Christina Clarke, founder and owner of C21, a creative communications agency whose employee ownership takeover we assisted in June 2021, echoed these feelings: “This landmark moment for the business represents and rewards almost 25 years of teamwork, passion and dedication to supporting our clients. It also provides an opportunity for the team to take the next step in their careers and ensure our service to clients continues to strengthen and grow. With our employee focused philosophy and democratic ethos, Employee Ownership was the obvious future for our business – this will make a material difference to staff, protect the agency’s independence and commitment to clients, whilst providing the stability of a gradual and clear transition to new leadership.”

Stephen Hadlow, head of our EOT team, concluded that “as the employee ownership sector grows, the benefits of this model are becoming clear for all to see. Increasingly, businesses see employee ownership as a way to drive growth, enabling them to attract and retain talent and encourage innovation.  With businesses putting a greater focus on their employees, wellbeing and CSR, we’re expecting more and more firms to move to employee ownership models in the coming months.”

Consistent with Stephen’s comments above, we have seen a year-on-year growth in businesses choosing to become employee owned, and EOTs are becoming an increasingly popular exit strategy. As illustrated by some of our clients above, employee ownership can protect the integrity and culture of a business, whilst providing a platform for long-term growth.  

If you’re considering whether employee ownership might be right for your business and would like to know more, please contact a member of our EOT team.

Brabners in Lancashire is located at Sceptre Court, Walton Summit. If you would like to discuss anything raised in this article, please give us a ring on 01772 823921, quote “LBV” and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.  

If you would like to receive more content like this, please head to our website where you can subscribe to receive regular updates of current articles and events. 

Latest news

1

BAE Systems workers vote for strike action BAE Systems production

BAE Systems workers vote for strike action

23 Oct 2025

2

National Cyber Force launches startup programme in the North West Nick Miles, National Cyber Force deputy director for Samlesbury

National Cyber Force launches startup programme in the North West

23 Oct 2025

3

Foresight announces £90m first close of its third North West regional investment fund Foresight announces £90 million first close of its third dedicated North West regional investment fund

Foresight announces £90m first close of its third North West regional investment fund

23 Oct 2025

4

McMurrays Haulage expands fleet after contract win Warehouse Supervisor at Pets Choice Brad Eddleston and McMurrays Sales Manager Rob Spencer. Photo credit: McMurrays Haulage Limited

McMurrays Haulage expands fleet after contract win

21 Oct 2025

5

Dragons' Den star to shine on Lancashire Business Day Derry Green

Dragons' Den star to shine on Lancashire Business Day

21 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

Chamber Business Lunch – October
LBV Hub Networking
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Chamber Business Lunch – October

Lancaster Golf Club, Lancaster, LA2 0AJ

11:00 - 13:30

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Lancaster District Business Support Expo
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Lancaster District Business Support Expo

The Platform, Morecambe, LA4 4DB

10:00 - 15:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2025 - 06 Nov 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November

Porsche Centre South Lakes, Carnforth, LA6 1FW

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Roundtables
10 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2025

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster, LA1 1YN

14:00 - 16:00

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human
2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin